Overview

The Roots is a name given to the group of deities that are said to reside at the base of the tree and are often associated with darkness and the unforgiving winter. The three gods that reside in the Roots govern the evil aspects of the world.

Samsyr - God of War

Depiction

The god of war, Samsyr, is often depicted as a tall armored soldier wielding a sword and a banner. While not inherently evil, there is no mass conflict that does not result in cruelty and destruction, which are hallmarks of Samsyr's personality.

Clergy

Samsyr's temples act as military staging areas and training grounds. His clergy double as elite soldiers and tacticians, and often serve under military leadership in the governing bodies of the various factions throughout Erendia. Samsyr is often considered to only accept worship in the form of combat, both honorable and dishonorable, though there are many who choose to follow Samsyr with honor, applying a personal code to their belief system. His symbol is a crossed sword and axe.

Hermod - God of Death

Depiction

The god of death, Hermod, is often whispered about as if he were malicious, but that is not the case as is taught by his followers. He is depicted as a hooded figure wielding an hourglass that contains the Sands of Time. His duty is to be at the side of all lives as they are lost, no matter who or what they were before death. It is taught that he guides the souls of the dead to reside with Ysod in her gardens.

Clergy

Probably the most formal of the religious sects in Erendia, the clergy of Hermod often work alongside those of Ysod and aid with last rites and care of the mortal flesh after death. They teach that all things must end, but that with death comes an everlasting peace in the gardens of Ysod. They pray to Hermod for guidance as they watch over the dying and in times of great death. Despite his association with death, Hermod and his followers are strongly against the forbidden act of Necromancy, as undeath is antithetical to the nature of the Great Tree and a threat to the Resonance. His followers often adorn the dead with his symbol, a simple O, so that their bodies will never fall victim to undeath.

Etaris - Goddess of Hate

Depiction

The goddess of hate, Etaris, is not worshipped openly in temples as the other gods are. She is held close to the heart, in whispers, resentful thoughts, and acts of vengeance. She is depicted as a spider that crawls upon those who have malice in their hearts and her bite is like a sweet release both painful and fulfilling. It is taught that Etaris is a part of the Great Tree just as Samsyr exists in the name of conflict, she exists in the name of the flaws of the mortal races. Greed, pettiness, rage, revenge, all forces that motivate those who would invoke Etaris's name.

Clergy

No formal clergy exists that openly worships Etaris. A few cults have formed in her name with the purpose of carrying out acts of revenge for those who are not able to do so themselves. These cults and organizations are looked down on by most of society but it is recognized that their existence is necessary for the Resonance to remain intact. Her symbol is a dagger with four lines horizontally crossed through the blade.